Northern Michigan wildfire contained, but officials say conditions are ripe for more

Michigan wildfire contained, but dangers remain

SOUTH BRANCH TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A forest fire in northern Michigan that destroyed or damaged 14 homes is under control, but fire officials say conditions are ripe for others to break out.

The state Department of Natural Resources and Environment said Monday the blaze in South Branch Township is almost entirely contained. Spokeswoman Mary Dettloff said it might take weeks to extinguish all hot spots, but the job has been turned over to local volunteer units.

The fire began last Tuesday when a resident lost control of a brush fire. It burned nearly 8,500 acres, or about 14 square miles.